SUBJ: SELECTION OF THE 2023 FORREST O. REDNOUR MEMORIAL AWARDS FORCULINARY SPECIALIST OF THE YEAR (CSOY) AND DINING FACILITY OF THEYEAR (DFOY)

ALCOAST 099/24
SSIC 1650
SUBJ: SELECTION OF THE 2023 FORREST O. REDNOUR MEMORIAL AWARDS FOR
CULINARY SPECIALIST OF THE YEAR (CSOY) AND DINING FACILITY OF THE
YEAR (DFOY)
A. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 171402Z NOV 23/ALCOAST 455/23

In accordance with REF (A), a selection board was convened
to review nominations for the CSOY and the DFOY.

We are pleased to announce the selections for Culinary Specialist
of the Year:
a. Culinary Specialist Third Class (CS3) Mariana Montanez from
USCGC ROLLIN FRITCH was selected as the 2023 Junior CSOY:
CS3 Montanez has represented the very best of the CS rating,
skillfully performing dining facility management responsibilities
well above her paygrade; while simultaneously adapting to the
dynamic operating environment onboard the patrol boat. Due to an
extended absence of the unit’s Food Service Officer (FSO), CS3
served as the only CS onboard for much of the award period,
independently managing galley operations for extended periods while
assuming responsibilities of the FSO position. CS3 absorbed the
added responsibilities with ease developing weekly menus and
conducting stores loadouts while preparing three meals a day. CS3’s
hard work for the 25-person crew directly enabled operations during
a surge deployment for OPERATION VIGILANT SENTRY and during an
international patrol to Bermuda to combat illegal unreported and
unregulated fishing. Having just graduated CS “A” school, CS3
proactively completed purchase card training to become the primary
purchase card holder onboard. This allowed for a quick in-depth
understanding of CS centric knowledge for administrative
requirements, overseeing the procurement of over $20,000 worth of
subsistence items, and the timely submission of three-monthly galley
financial reports.
b. Culinary Specialist First Class (CS1) Amanda Martello from
USCG STA Chatham was selected as the 2023 Senior CSOY:
CS1 single handedly assumed responsibility for a dining facility
normally operated by two CSs. Utilizing incredible attention to
detail and years of experience with culinary operations, CS1 quickly
identified and resolved several years’ worth of accounting
discrepancies. Working with the Station Chatham command, Subsistence
Product Line, and FINCEN, the member was able to save the Coast
Guard over $12,000 in unaccounted and unpaid chow bills. CS1
routinely demonstrated an exceptionally advanced level of culinary
skill in the vibrant and delectable meals provided for the crew.
c. Culinary Specialist Second Class (CS2) Christopher Livernois from
USCGC PENOBSCOT BAY was selected as the Runner-up Junior CSOY and
Culinary Specialist First Class (CS1) Micah Borgstadt from USCGC
EMLEN TUNNELL was selected as the Runner-up Senior CSOY.

We are pleased to announce the selections for Dining Facility of
The Year (DFOY):
a. The winners for DFOY are:
(1) Large Afloat: USCGC ALEX HALEY
(2) Medium Afloat: USCGC DEPENDABLE
(3) Small Afloat: USCGC KATHERINE WALKER
(4) CSA/TRACEN: TRACEN Petaluma
(5) BASE/AIRSTA: Base San Juan
(6) SECTOR/SFO: No Entry
(7) Small Ashore: STA Shinnecock
b. The runners-up for DFOY are:
(1) Large Afloat: USCGC FORWARD
(2) Medium Afloat: USCGC CYPRESS
(3) Small Afloat: USCGC PENOBSCOT BAY
(4) CSA/TRACEN: No Entry
(5) BASE/AIRSTA: BASE LA/LB
(6) SECTOR/SFO: No Entry
(7) STATION: No Entry

I would like to thank the commands who recognized our many high
performing CSs and CG dining facilities. Congratulations to the 2023
Forrest O. Rednour Memorial Award winners and to all the nominees
for their exceptional professionalism in the CS rating. Each of you
are commended for your extraordinary performance and expertise.

COMDT (CG-1K13) POC is Mr. Chad Adams at (202) 475-5149 or
CulinaryProgram@uscg.mil.

RADM Dana L. Thomas, Assistant Commandant for Health, Safety and
Work-Life (CG-1K), sends.

Internet release is authorized.